Delegate Bob Ferhenbacher thanked the Friends of Vienna for hosting the fourth annual Freedom Festival at Spencer’s Landing in Vienna on Friday afternoon. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

VIENNA –The fourth annual Vienna Freedom Festival opened Friday afternoon at Spencer’s Landing in Vienna, drawing hundreds for a celebration of community, independence, and military service.

It will continue through Saturday evening.

The event, organized by the non-profit Friends of Vienna, began with the National Anthem performed by Gary Hall, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation from Vienna Police Chief and retired U.S. Air Force veteran Carl Powell.

“This festival is about honoring those who have served, are serving, and will serve in the future,” Powell said in his opening prayer. “They are in our thoughts and prayers every day.”

The move from the former location at the Grand Central Mall to Spencer’s Landing was a deliberate decision to improve the festival experience, according to Amanda Mott, treasurer and self-proclaimed social media manager for Friends of Vienna.

Vienna Police Chief Carl Powell leads the Pledge of Allegiance at the opening ceremony for the fourth annual Freedom Festival at Spencer’s Landing in Vienna Friday afternoon. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

“(Grand Central Mall) was a great partner to work with, but we felt that it would be better for festival goers if we moved it off the blacktop because it’s so hot out,” said Mott. “We wanted more of a festival atmosphere.”

Vienna Mayor Chad Emrick and West Virginia Delegate Bob Fehrenbacher delivered opening remarks, thanking organizers, city workers, and volunteers for their efforts in transforming the site into a vibrant community gathering place.

“This is going to be the event of the summer,” Emrick said. “A year ago, none of what you see here existed. Our city crews and the Friends of Vienna have done a tremendous job.”

Fehrenbacher echoed that message, encouraging residents from across the Mid-Ohio Valley to attend and reflect on the meaning of Independence Day.

“Our freedoms come from those who served, and this is a chance to celebrate and appreciate that,” he said.

Mary Williams, a vendor at the fourth annual Freedom Festival, shows how to “dance” a marionette Friday afternoon at Spencer’s Landing. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Jack Mathers, Friends of Vienna president, also addressed the crowd, acknowledging the behind-the-scenes efforts of the 21-member board that planned the festival over months of preparation.

“We love this community and are proud to put this on every year,” Mathers said.

This year’s festival features all-day carnival rides for $25, food vendors, and live music, including a Michael Jackson tribute act on Friday night and Nashville trio Chapel Hart, known for their performances on America’s Got Talent, scheduled for Saturday. Saturday’s headliner will be Home Free.

The weekend also includes a parachute demonstration, a drone show, and additional entertainment. Saturday’s schedule of activities includes:

* 9 a.m.: Slack Riders

From left, Claire Bulleck enjoys the merry-go-round at the fourth annual Freedom Festival with the help of her mom, Crystal Bulleck. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

* 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Car and Motorcycle Show

* 11 a.m.: Food and craft vendors

* Noon: Carnival rides

* 1-3 p.m.: SEBRA Rodeo

* 6-8 p.m.: Hot air balloon rides

Dante and Vergil Conley play with the bubbles provided by the foam garage at the fourth annual Freedom Festival in Vienna, Friday afternoon. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

* 6:30-8 p.m.: Chapel Hart

* 8:30-10 p.m.: Home Free

* 10:15 p.m.: Drone Light Show

Gwen Sour can be reached at gsour@newsandsentinel.com.

Vienna Mayor Chad Emrick welcomes attendees to the fourth annual Freedom Festival at Spencer’s Landing on Friday afternoon. (Photo by Gwen Sour)